the 8'6" is a true XX, very stiff with extra-fast action, with just enough forgiveness in the last foot or so of the tip. i'm planning to use this rod with my big high-speed reel for burning double-10s; i've been looking for a stiffer rod that won't load up under fast retrieves and during the figure-8.
the 9'3" is a beauty, quite strong with a tapering action that peaks about 2 1/2' from the tip. this would make a great casting rod for spinnerbaits or moderate speed bucktails; i'm going to put it to use for pounders and other big swimbaits that need the rod's power for ripping but still need to load up a bit more on the cast.
some stats for those who've been asking:
the 8'6" shrinks to 7'
the 9'3" shrinks to 7'7"
rear cork = 17"
rating: 4-16oz
i know Mark Rogers (California Muskie) has put a lot of time and effort into developing the EVx line of muskie rods, and he's taken a lot of feedback from muskie fishermen. the results look great, Mark!
then combine a lifetime warranty with Okuma's service reputation...
i'll put 'em to use this weekend up in Vilas Co and let you know how they work when actually out on the water.
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Posted 7/13/2009 7:28 PM (#388459 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Location: Des Moines IA
I've got OT $ burning a hole in my pocket as we speak, was gonna just get the 2 9'3s, but from the sounds of it, I need the 8'6 XXH as well ...... now the question is what reels do I need for these bad boys? Okuma have anything new in the way of high speed reels?
Posted 7/20/2009 5:12 PM (#389603 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio
I called Hi's Tackle Box this morning checking on the 8'6" XXH. They took my phone number and said they would check on availability. Ten minutes later they call back saying they were available. I placed my order for 2 of the EVX-C-861XXH-T. 119.99 each with Free Shipping. Here is part of the conformation email from Hi's. I didn't ask about the 9'3".
We have placed an order for the rods with Okuma and should receive them on
either Wednesday or Thursday of this week. As soon as we receive the rods, your order will ship right out to you.
You will have to call Hi's as these are not in their catalog.
1-800-737-5181
www.HisTackleBoxShop.com
Posted 7/21/2009 2:09 PM (#389736 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 2058
Hi's can get you the 9'3" XH - I have had mine since last week.... First cast I noticed the tip (last guide) was not glued. Upon inspection in looked like they put little if any glue on at the factory. I always have superglue with me so not a huge deal - just glad a fish didn't hit first cast. I doubt this is a reoccuring problem but you may want to check the tips of your new rods to make sure they are secure.
lambeau
Posted 7/21/2009 2:44 PM (#389747 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
i tested out the new rods last weekend.
the 8'6" XXH was just what i was hoping for re: burning big bucktails. it has just enough flex in the tip (action) so that it casts well and would provide a little forgiveness when fighting a fish, but it's stiff enough that it doesn't load up on the retrieve (i paired it with a high-speed Trinidad reel) or during the figure-8. it weighs more than the Sling Blade that i'd bought for this purpose originally, but since it handles the lures better i won't be nearly as tired...and the prices aren't even in the same neighborhood. i switched my Sling Blade to slow-rolling duty and this is my new double-10 burning rod.
the 9'3" XH was tested on big plastics (pounders and hard heads) as well as ripping 10" minnow baits. it's got a moderate action that loads up nicely for casting those heavy baits but retains plenty of pop for ripping and jerking them. this is the longest rod i've personally used, and it took a bit of getting used to, but once you do it's extremely nice: figure-8s are simple and the added length translates into more speed/movement when ripping the lure. when fighting a 40"-class fish i had to wait for a hungover netman to get himself organized and the rod's forgiving action helped keep pressure on the line while walking a strong-fighting fish around the boat. again, this rod weighs more than some of the more expensive alternatives out there, but an action that matches the application more than makes up for it. this would also make a great rod for big bucktails if you were using a medium-retrieve speed reel.
i'll be spending 2 weeks in MN in mid-late August during which double-10s and big plastic will be on the line a lot of the time. you can bet you'll see one of these rods in my hands most of the time. and when they're put away, the telescoping feature makes them extremely easy to store.
Posted 7/21/2009 3:31 PM (#389767 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI
Lambeau, if you wouldn't mind, could you cast some big plastics (Pounder size) with the 8'6" XXH sometime? I was wondering about that rod for that, but I don't want it to be TOO stiff in the tip to lose ease of casting, and especially for having a hard time keeping a good tip bend for fighting fish.
I know the 9'3 was made for the rubber, but I fish alone a lot, and I think netting fish with a rod that long could be a challenge.
Thanks,
curleytail
Scott M.
Posted 7/25/2009 12:46 AM (#390388 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods
I along with my fishing partner each purchased a new Okuma 8'6 xxh-t on 7/23/09 from Smokey's Musky Shop. Today I got to try out my new Okuma rod which handled them DC-10's and the other lures I chose to use very nicely. The rod has a beautiful backbone to it just what I wanted in a musky rod. What an awesome rod that was well worth the wait in order for me to obtain one.
Thanks go out to Okuma for bringing out such a great rod at a fair price!
Posted 7/27/2009 3:44 PM (#390727 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio
My hat is off the Hi's Tackle Box, I received my rods today courtesy of the USPS. Most other places I have ordered from don't get your stuff to you as quick. Especially since Hi's didn't have the rod in stock and had to order it. Monday to Monday, not bad.
Posted 8/2/2009 6:54 PM (#391906 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 283
Lambeau, if you wouldn't mind, could you cast some big plastics (Pounder size) with the 8'6" XXH sometime? I was wondering about that rod for that, but I don't want it to be TOO stiff in the tip to lose ease of casting, and especially for having a hard time keeping a good tip bend for fighting fish.
I know the 9'3 was made for the rubber, but I fish alone a lot, and I think netting fish with a rod that long could be a challenge.
Did anyone throw any pounders and/or magdawgs with this rod yet?
mpa_larry
Posted 8/4/2009 8:41 AM (#392211 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posted 8/4/2009 10:13 AM (#392223 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 431
I tried out the 9'3" extra heavy on LOTW a couple of weeks ago. I just got an 8'6" this spring and this rod seems much bigger. This is also the first telescopic rod I've used, and I have no complaints. Without the telescopic feature I'm not sure the rod would fit on the boat. The rod casts magdawgs and other big plastics very nicely-much better than my musky innovations rod. The rod does feel a bit on the heavy side, but I haven't gotten any weights on the butt to balance it yet.
Posted 8/7/2009 12:25 PM (#392913 - in reply to #392906) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi
You won't even know they are telescopic when you're using them. No strenght issues either. I just ordered 3 more. Can't wait to put them in the rotation.
Posted 8/11/2009 2:19 PM (#393633 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Location: Des Moines IA
I just got my 8'6 XXH, and my 9'3 XH today, WOW is all I can say! The 9'3 is gonna chuck big rubber like a pro, I can tell already, and I am dying to get the saltist hooked up to the 8'6, and see how she does with the XXs. This is going to be fun! Best deal out there for musky rods by far! Quality, Service, and an Awesome Warranty to boot!!!!
Posted 8/11/2009 2:38 PM (#393637 - in reply to #393633) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi
You lucky dude. Mine should be here in the next few days. Then it's up nort to give them a good pound'n with some pounders. I'll report back after my trip on what works with which rod.
Posted 8/11/2009 7:04 PM (#393700 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 2024
I just got a 9'3" for our project and tested it out today along with a Saltist I picked up. What a sweet combo! Holy smokes! The rod handles burning double 10s with ease, and loads up well enough to throw smaller 'tails as well (double French blades). I was also throwing a shallow Curly Sue and the rod performed very well with that bait. Bottom line, I was VERY impressed as this was my first experience with Okuma rods.
Posted 8/11/2009 8:49 PM (#393720 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 1316
Location: Lebanon,Mo
Put these rods to the test three weeks ago on my first trip to LotW and have to say they worked flawless and was exactly the rod I was looking for.Excellent rod for the DCG's for sure.I managed a 46" working a Weagle with the 8'6"XXH.Great rod for the money, hands down and may explain why there is 6 Okuma rods in my boat.
Posted 8/12/2009 10:53 AM (#393799 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: Okuma telescopic rods?
Posts: 714
Location: Rhinelander, WI
Is anybody using the 9'3" version of the XH, if so how do you like it. How does it work for BIG blades and BIG rubber. I am thinking about this rod for that purpose.
Posted 8/12/2009 11:32 AM (#393804 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: Okuma telescopic rods?
Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi
I'm heading up nort for the week and just picked up 2 of the 9'3 xh's and an 8'6 xxh. I'll be toss'n pounders, hardheads, and some 10 X 2s as well. I'll let you know how they work out when I get back. So far, by the looks of them, they should do the job well, but once I'm on the water, I'll give you the lowdown.
Posted 8/12/2009 12:10 PM (#393812 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: Okuma telescopic rods?
Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI
I picked up a 9 3 Heavy...not XH....its going back...GREAT rod...just not for D10's. Tip is way to soft going into the 8 and loads way to much. I would like to try the XH now...I bet that would be a good bet.
Cory
lambeau
Posted 8/12/2009 12:35 PM (#393815 - in reply to #393799) Subject: Re: Okuma telescopic rods?
Is anybody using the 9'3" version of the XH, if so how do you like it. How does it work for BIG blades and BIG rubber. I am thinking about this rod for that purpose.
i've got the 8'6" XXH and the 9'3" XH.
they're both really nice rods, and will do a fine job for big blades and plastics.
the action on the 9'3" XH is comparable to a Sling Blade; it's noticeably heavier, but the amount of flex and where it flexes is close to that profile. this makes it a fine rod for slower retrieves with big blades and a great rod for chucking rubber.
the 8'6" XXH is quite stiff and strong while retaining enough flex in the tip to cast easily and give some forgiveness boatside. i particularly like the action on this rod for high-speed retrieves with big blades as it doesn't load up and fight you during the retrieve and it will power the blades through the figure-8.
Posted 8/12/2009 4:10 PM (#393855 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 23
so the 9'3" XH is better for figure 8ing dcgs and burnining them into the figure 8?
lambeau
Posted 8/12/2009 7:44 PM (#393878 - in reply to #393850) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
So Mike for the big blades burning and ripping them in the 8 you would suggest the 8 6 XXL over the 9 3 XH?
yep.
i have both: the 8'6" is paired with a Trinidad 14 for blades, and the 9'3" is paired with a Curado 300 for pounders and big minnowbaits.
for high-speed big blades i don't want the rod loading up during the retrieve or the figure-8 as this is very tiring on the arms and shoulders: the 8'6" XH is beefy and helps the reel do its work. i'll give up the extra couple inches of length for the added power and ease during the retrieve.
the 9'3" has a slower action (lower in the rod) and loads up more like the Sling Blade: it's good for a moderate-speed retrieve with big blades or for smaller blades, and a great rod for other heavy bait applications.
my $0.02 anyway...
Posted 8/12/2009 11:05 PM (#393928 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 714
Location: Rhinelander, WI
Thanks for all the info, and Mike thanks for moving my post to this thread, I don’t know why this thread didn’t show up when I did my search, this along with the other thread is great stuff.
Sounds like the 8’6” XXH is more of a specialty big blade rod. And the 9’3” XF is more versatile for casting both Big Rubber and Big Blades, but won’t be the best for burning big blades for long periods.
Since I am not going to pair this rod with a big block reel, I am probably best off with the 9’3”XH based on this post, should do exactly what I want the rod to do. MagDawgs, Pounders, and big blades and most importantly hook and hold fish.
The bad news is it sounds like I will also have to get a 8’6”XXH for those times when the only bait the fish want are big blades moved fast.
My Rod Locker is limited to 8’ so these rods fit a very important niche for me.
Nail A Pig!
Mike
Posted 8/14/2009 7:14 AM (#394097 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 100
Location: W-PA
The Okuma 9'3"XH will launch any rubber you throw. I have ripped regular, mags, and pounders with the rod. It is also great for ripping 9" grandmas, legend perchbaits and any other large cranks.
Edited by cband 8/14/2009 7:15 AM
cochran
Posted 8/14/2009 2:32 PM (#394146 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Bought three of the 9'3" XH and have been using them. They are top-heavy which I like for burning bucktails, seems like they help keep the blades from coming out of the water. I have thrown Mag dawgs with it was well. I would recommend putting a rod balancer at the bottom of the rod if you are using them for plastics or medium retrieve bucktails. They make an awesome pounder rod.
I did have to re-glue all three tips on the rods, but no big deal.
Very happy with them and for the price you can't touch a comparable rod.
Posted 8/15/2009 7:38 AM (#394252 - in reply to #392906) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Location: Chicago, IL
I also have 9'3" XH and love it.
I bought it for tossing BIG baits but is works well on other baits too.
Makes doing a figure 8 effortless.
No issues with the telescoping feature either......really no different than a regular rod.
Actually I prefer it because it makes storing it in the boat a lot easier
It also comes with a really nice soft rod sleeve for protecting it too.
Life time warranty is phenomenal.
Not many rods on the market that offer that.
A quality rod at a great price.
Posted 8/24/2009 9:48 AM (#395607 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 714
Location: Rhinelander, WI
Well I pulled the trigger on both the 9’3” XH and the 8’6” XXH over the weekend.
I tried to fish last night to test them out, but the vast conspiracy that is keeping me off the water this year struck again and literally as I was hooking up the baits for the “first barbecue” with the new rods my phone rang and I had to pull off the water to help my in-laws with a plumbing problem. Before I left I did make a few casts with a pounder on the 9’3” and a Super-Girl with the 8’6” these rods are going to be nice. Casting that pounder with the 9’3” was easier than any other rod I have tried. Same goes with pulling the Super-Girl. But keep in mind before this I wasn’t using anything bigger than 7’6”. So my experience is limited.
Pretty sure I will now be getting a big block reel for the 8’6”XXH might as well use the rod to its maximum potential.
Thanks you everyone for all the posts, emails and phone calls, without your help I would not have had the confidence to lay out the coin for these setups.
Posted 8/25/2009 11:08 AM (#395889 - in reply to #395676) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi
Well, I put a pounding on the 9'3XH and he 8'6 XXH this past week with good results. I pretty much threw pounders and a home made dbl 10 all week long on these rods. The 9'3s handled the pounders very well both casting and ripping (pretty hard rips too). I actually thought that the 9'3 was good for burning in the 10s as I didn't get tired until the last day when my wrist decided that a week straight of ripp'n pounders and throwing blades isn't a good idea However it does load up a bit in the 8, so for those of you that have more experience burning the blades, that might push you towards the 8'6" xxh. I personally don't burn them like most do all of the time, so the 9'3 worked well. It rocked for fighting fish as well.
The 8'6 worked awesome for throwing and ripping the pounders. The rod doesn't load up at all, but does have some tip action to it which helped in fighting fish. This is definitely the pounder rod I was looking for and can't believe I was throwing those on the 8'6 xh for as long as I was. You won't be disappointed with either of these rods for sure! Price is awesome, and they do what they were designed to do. Also, I don't have a built in rod locker in my boat, so when throwing the rods in my expedition at night, the telescoping feature made it a piece of cake to store.
Posted 8/25/2009 1:03 PM (#395923 - in reply to #395911) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods arriving!
Posts: 706
Location: Richland Center, WI.
I picked up an 8'6" XXH from Smokey's a week ago and got a good deal on it and some other stuff I needed. Great people to deal with and get fishing info from. Now to find a reel for the rod.
Ken
Edited by muskyhunter63 8/25/2009 2:30 PM
A-Rod
Posted 9/2/2009 1:05 PM (#397614 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods arriving!
awesome rods, i picked up the 8'6" to handle the BIG blades......works like a charm
and the 9'3" i have is dedicated to BIG plastics...... Mag Doggies, Pounders , Super D's & Suzies aint got nothin on me no more!
lifetime warranty plus readily available at tackle shops is a big, big plus
not too mention the telescoping feature that helps make the long rod more manageable for storing it when not in use
my guess is you could troll with them too if necessary???
did i mention price.....???
affordable for the average joe,
that's why i was able to buy both sizes
check 'em out, you'll be glad you did
lambeau
Posted 9/2/2009 2:15 PM (#397630 - in reply to #397614) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods!
i'm personally a believer in matching the right tool to the job. yep, some people prefer to grab one stick and "make do", but i'd rather have a couple different rods that are more technique-specific. for me, what i want in a double-10 rod is very different than the one i choose for a suick.
we did a demo of these rods at the Spring Bay outing that shows the various actions available in the Okuma lineup.
here's the video:
Posted 9/3/2009 3:37 PM (#397837 - in reply to #397630) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 299
Location: Ontario, California
Lambeau...
Thank you very much for the time in doing the rod demo. I know there were a lot of guys asking for that. We appreciate you taking the time to do that.
For an update on availability... We were just able to secure placement with the largest distributors in the Midwest which has a customer base of probably close to a thousand dealers. You should be able to find these rods more readily available in the near future.
Posted 9/3/2009 10:50 PM (#397900 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI
I'd like to see that video, but it doesn't work for me. It shows up garbled in the thread, and won't work if I access the video section either. The Toyota add loads, and then it says the video is playing, but there's no picture or sound. All of the new uploaded videos on here are like this for me.
Posted 9/16/2009 8:20 PM (#400254 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Just wanted to let people know that I found another place to get the new Okuma rods this year (I had heard that a couple of the local places carrying them were sold out so maybe this can be helpful to those still interested).
I picked one up at Smokey's earlier this year and have been really impressed and have been looking for additional places that carry the extra heavy as they were sold out locally. If your still looking for one of these check out http://www.hookeduptackle.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=Okuma%20EVx... On top of having them in stock they provide even free shipping over $50.
Posted 9/18/2009 12:19 PM (#400602 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 134
Location: East TN
So i'm sure this has been asked multiple times, but how would you guys compare the 8'6 XH vs. the 8'6 XXH? I am really contemplating pulling the trigger on one of these, just don't want to make the wrong choice since there is no where around me that I can check them out in person.
The rods main purpose will be dbl 10's and bulldawgs, but would like it to be able to possibly use it as a jerkbait rod occasionally as well. I think the Xh would be nice, but from what i've read it has more of a moderate bend...which i'm not really crazy about. Would the XXH be too much for throwing other baits?
Posted 9/18/2009 12:56 PM (#400612 - in reply to #400602) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 2378
BubbaTn - 9/18/2009 12:19 PM
So i'm sure this has been asked multiple times, but how would you guys compare the 8'6 XH vs. the 8'6 XXH? I am really contemplating pulling the trigger on one of these, just don't want to make the wrong choice since there is no where around me that I can check them out in person.
The rods main purpose will be dbl 10's and bulldawgs, but would like it to be able to possibly use it as a jerkbait rod occasionally as well. I think the Xh would be nice, but from what i've read it has more of a moderate bend...which i'm not really crazy about. Would the XXH be too much for throwing other baits?
Posted 9/25/2009 4:45 PM (#401835 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 134
Location: East TN
Well, Got home today and had a present waiting my boat from the UPS man! My 8'6 XXH, Just from feeling the rod here at home, I must say I really like the feel of the rod. Hoping to try it out this weekend.
One thing I did notice tho, The tip eye is just slightly out of center with the rest of the eyes. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this with their rods? Its nothing really I'm too concern with I don' t think, but just kinda curious.
Posted 10/6/2009 11:41 PM (#403517 - in reply to #401835) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 315
are these heavy rods at all, yesterday i was able to throw a slingblade alittle bit and i love that its light but i hate the price. i love the price of the okuma i just dont want it to be overly heavy
Posted 10/7/2009 8:09 AM (#403532 - in reply to #403519) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 134
Location: East TN
sworrall - 10/7/2009 12:52 AM
I use rod balancers on all my rods, so none seem very heavy no matter, but in short...no, I don't feel the Okuma rods are 'heavy' at all.
What exactly do you use for rod balancers with the Okuma rods? I have noticed that my 8'6 xxh is fairly tip heavy, and I had considered some kind of balancer, just wasn't quite sure what to use.
Posted 10/7/2009 8:28 AM (#403534 - in reply to #403532) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
I use Bass pro Shop balancers. Cost is about $10 and they work great. For fat cork, you may just need to sand a little cork off with sand paper to slide the balancer on.
Posted 10/7/2009 9:42 AM (#403543 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 231
Another option is use lead tape strips. These are the same strips golfers use for added weight on their irons. It might look a little "RedNeck", but will definatlely get the job done.
Nate, just wanted to thank you for the link, & anyone else who is interested. As of today, they're offering a 20% disscount, and I got a GREAT deal on the Okuma 8'6"XXH. Free shipping + the 20% off.... can't beat that! I can hardly wait to get the new Okuma, Great product!
Posted 10/22/2009 6:47 PM (#406066 - in reply to #406034) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 299
Location: Ontario, California
Thorne Bros, Reeds and Joes are new accounts in Minnesota that will have (or already have) the EVX range of rods. Other customers in Wisconsin that recently purchased are Dorn Hardware and Dorn Outdoor Pro Shop in Madison
Posted 10/22/2009 7:30 PM (#406068 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Chas,
No problem! I didn't even know about the 20% off deal.......$95 shipped for a 9' rod with a lifetime warranty......sweet deal! Thanks for the update on the additional shops as well Mark, keep up the good work!
Posted 10/23/2009 12:26 PM (#406134 - in reply to #388451) Subject: RE: New Okuma Rods!
Location: MN
I have the 9'3" Heavy and use it for dawgs and slow blades. Works awesome for mag dawgs and good for big blades.... little flexy with the dbl 13s. Also, a great trolling rod! Broke in mine with a 50+ incher, using it for trolling at that time. She handled the fish great.
Posted 11/3/2009 11:57 AM (#407525 - in reply to #388451) Subject: Re: New Okuma Rods!
Posts: 231
I just recieved my new 8'6 XXH Okuma, and got to give it a little test run this morning. I'm very impressed to say the least!! Thank you Mike W.(lambeau) for your Demos & Verbal descriptions. This rod is exactly as you described (for big blades), with the saltwater reel it's just what I was hoping for! I know it will work fine for ripping big minnow baits, and large plastics, also. I have (like others) custom Vermont DB's, & other high end blanks, but was really happy with qaulity of this stick for such a low price. I also was pleasntly suprised with the NICE protective sleeve it comes with. The rod is (as mentioned), a little on the physical heavy side, but that's not a big deal for what I'll be using it for.
I know there's been pleanty of postive feed back on this line of rods from Okuma, but I just wanted to give more credit to where credit is due! Now I have to figure out an excuse to give my wife to purchase a few more, to add to the growing army of sticks I already own. LOL!
New Okuma Rods!
You won't be disappointed with either of these rods for sure! Price is awesome, and they do what they were designed to do. Also, I don't have a built in rod locker in my boat, so when throwing the rods in my expedition at night, the telescoping feature made it a piece of cake to store.